SEIU-West Convention Re-cap

Click here for a look at the Convention Picture Slide Show on Flickr

SEIU members gathered in Saskatoon on June 13th, 14th and 15th for the Founding Convention of SEIU-West — the new strong, province-wide local that was created through the merger of Locals 299 (Moose Jaw), 333 (Saskatoon) and 336 (Swift Current). With the appropriate convention theme of “Proud History, Bright Future,” delegates celebrated the long history of SEIU in Saskatchewan and cemented the beginnings of a bright future for SEIU-West.

The Founding Convention kicked off on Monday evening with a social where delegates had an opportunity to meet and get to know each other as well as watch some Canadian Labour International Film Festival clips, participate in SEIU-West’s version of ‘Minute to Win It’ games, and win tickets to a Saskatchewan Roughriders game.

Tuesday morning started off strong with a blessing from Loretta Wilson, a First Nations Elder from Saskatoon, as well as greetings from the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour, Saskatoon & District Labour Council, and SEIU Canada. Delegates then got down to work caucusing within their sectors, debating sections of the new SEIU-West Constitution, and listening to speeches from candidates for President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Trustees in the General Election. Following a productive day on the convention floor, delegates enjoyed a delicious banquet, plenty of door prizes donated by our sponsors, and musical entertainment by “The Vexations.”

Wednesday was another incredibly busy day that started with voting in the General Elections and a report from the Member Political Action Conference. Delegates also heard a review of the attack on working people and the political situation in Wisconsin, which showed eerie similarities to what we face in Saskatchewan under the current provincial government.

Delegates had the opportunity on Wednesday to hear from two guest speakers:

• Dwain Lingenfelter, Leader of the Saskatchewan New Democratic Party (NDP), shared his party’s view of the state of the province and where positive change needs to be made in order to benefit all Saskatchewan families.
• Mary Kay Henry, SEIU International President, not only ran the elections and announced the winners, she also spent time speaking to the delegates about the challenges facing our sisters and brothers south of the border, and how it is important for all of us to take action, no matter how big or how small, to help shape the kind of community we live in. She answered several questions from the floor and even joined delegates as we marched in solidarity with locked out members of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers at noon on Wednesday.

After the show of support for postal workers, delegates returned to work in caucuses, electing board members who would represent their sectors on SEIU-West’s Executive Board. The day finished off with further discussion and approval of the new SEIU-West Constitution, before the newly elected Board was sworn in to office.

Outside the convention room, Delegates were able to look at and purchase SEIU-West merchandise or pick up “I’m a Health Care Voter” lawn signs for the coming election. A number of display tables were also available where Delegates could view material and information on topics including the United Way, CLC Labour Issues and Pensions Campaigns, the SEIU-West website, Disability Claims and Advice for Injured Workers, Saskatchewan Federation of Union Retirees, and the Union Label League.

Over the course of the Founding Convention, we were privileged to be joined by a number of special guests:

• Several former SEIU Local Presidents – Harold Hoffman (Local 333); Barb Wotherspoon (Local 336); Russell Doell (Local 333); and Ken Winton-Grey (Local 333); Doreen Stevenson (Local 299) was unable to attend but sent special greetings to all those gathered.
• Several NDP MLAs and candidates – Deb Higgins (NDP Deputy Leader, MLA Moose Jaw Wakamow); Cam Broten (MLA Saskatoon Massey Place); Danielle Chartier (MLA Saskatoon Riversdale); David Forbes (MLA Saskatoon Centre); Judy Junor (MLA Saskatoon Eastview); Warren McCall (MLA Regina Elphinstone-Centre); Frank Quennell (MLA Saskatoon Meewasin). Several NDP candidates also attended the SEIU-West Founding Convention: Naveed Anwar (Saskatoon Sutherland); Janice Bernier (Batoche); Todd Gervais (Cannington); and Tom Howe (Rosetown).
• Many individuals from the broader labour movement: Larry Hubich (President, SFL) who also acted as our convention parliamentarian; Darla Leard (CLC); Raymond Larcher (President, SEIU Local 800); Kelly Harrington and Tracey Goodheart (Saskatoon & District Labour Council); Gord Campbell (CUPE Healthcare Council); and Debbie Hubick (CUPE SK).

Delegates left the Founding Convention with renewed energy, a deep sense of solidarity, and strong enthusiasm and excitement for SEIU-West’s bright future.